Cruising the Legendary Rivers of Europe

Legendary Rivers of Europe

a blog by Ben Costa

The rivers of Europe have served as boundaries, avenues of transportation and sources of sustenance. Many European rivers have been celebrated in song and prose and have a played a major role in both commerce and history.   In early civilization they provided a means of food and trade.   During conflicts they were used as boundaries as well as invasion and conquer.  During the renaissance they carried trade and knowledge.  As a result many of Europe’s most important cities are located on one of these rivers.  There you will also find most Europe’s culture and history attractions.   These rivers include the Seine in France, the Rhine in Germany, the Rhone in France and Spain, and the Danube in central and Eastern Europe.   What better way to visit Europe than to travel these rivers.   

The Long Boats

River cruising in Europe has exploded since the emergence of the River long boat. 

• The long boats range between 250 and 350 feet in length.  
• Widths and heights are restricted to enable them to travel throughout Europe where they must travel in locks and under bridges.   
• River boats are small when compared to ocean cruise ships, most of the modern longboats will comfortably fit about 150 Passengers compared to a large cruise ship which can hold up to 5000 passengers. 

  These boats have been designed for comfort and luxury.

• Most staterooms have verandas with floor to ceiling glass.  They do this because you are there to see the country
• Staterooms are between 200 and 300 square feet 
• Most have multiple restaurants and dining options and offer both locally inspired gourmet cuisines and exotic meals 
• Many boats have Spas and fitness rooms, whirlpools and some are now being built with swimming pools.     
• They have wifi and most will have an interactive TV / information center in each room.   You will also have access to your cell phones since you are travelling on the interior of the country

The Itineraries

There are hundreds of itineraries to choose from to fulfill whatever bucket list desire you may have.

• Are you a wine enthusiast?   how about a cruise through the Bordeaux wine regions of France,  visit the wineries and sample your favorite wines
• History buff? how about a cruise from Normandy to Paris
• How about a cruise through Holland during the tulip season
• Are you interested in art and music, how about a cruise through Vienna on the Danube

• Are you a castle enthusiast – well how about a cruise on the Rhine through Germany or Luxemburg or Nuremberg on the Main

•  Or my favorite how about a Christmas time cruise on the Rhine and see all the festivities and  great decorations

Shore Excursions. 
It’s not just about being on the boat.   Every day you will visit a new city

•   Since these boats travel right to your destinations, all you have to do is get off the boat and you are at your destination.   You choose your pace and see what you want

• Take a tour in small group excursions with a local expert tour guide to facilitate and tell you about the local scenes
• Dive into the local culture with some of their exclusive tours. Make goulash in Budapest go to a Beer and bratwurst tasting in Nuremburg or indulge in Belgium waffle and chocolate in Antwerp
• Had too much gourmet food last night, most ships offer bikes that you can ride, so you can explore the region on two wheels while taking in the local culture and burning off a few calories.

Bottom Line

When you first look at the price of a river cruise you may come away thinking that this is an expensive way to see Europe but you need to consider what you get for that price and what you will find will surprise you.

• River cruises prices include all your meals.  Their restaurants are higher end.   Since they travel inland they can get fresh food locally which enhances your experience
• On Ama Waterways wine, beer and non-alcoholic drinks are included with your meals
• Most shore excursions are free, they will offer some exclusive experiences such as the wine tasting and cooking outing that will be extra but these would be your choice. 

So let’s take a look at the numbers:  For a10 Day Package Cat C Veranda Stateroom on an Ama Longboat traveling from Paris to Normandy with 3 Days post cruise in Paris The cost with Ama’s current Promotion is $3898PP which is ~ $390 per day.

Let’s break that down

Prices per day per person	Land Vacation	River Cruise
Hotel (4 Star) (~$300 Per Night)	$150 - $200	Included
Meals (Breakfast $20, Lunch $30 Dinner with Wine ~$75)	$125 - $150	Included
Snacks, water …	$30	Included
Transportation (Train, Car Rentals …)	$60	Included
Day Tours	$50 -$75	Included
Evening Entertainment	$50 -$75	Included
Transfers	$20	Included
Time Spent Traveling Between Cities packing unpacking waiting for trains, checking into hotels	Priceless time and aggravation	Relax and enjoy every part of the journey
Total	$485-$610	$389

 So now you can see why river cruises have become so popular.   The offer not only offer you a more pleasant and relaxing experience but do so for a lower price.   

If you want to book a river cruise or would like more information please visit my website or contact me via email.

CruisePlanners - Ben Costa